Tag Archives: Animals

We all know the kinds of effects that stress can have on our bodies – headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, just to name a few. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that their stress can also have a dramatic impact on their pets. Animals always seem to be aware when their humans are stressed aboutsomething. Has your cat ever walked across your keyboard right when you were in the middle of typing up an important email? Has your dog ever started barking or become especially playful while you were watching a tense scene in a movie? Animals. Just. Know.

Painting is one of the things that mellows me out.

And because animals are as sensitive and as intuitive as they are, it’s not uncommon for them to develop health issues due to living with stressed out humans. This is why it’s so important for us humans not just to treat the physical symptoms of our stress, but to address the stress itself. It might mean refusing to bring work home at the end of the day, taking up a yoga practice, going for walks in nature, or…. spending more time with our animals!

For about 4 years I was working full time in a jail (talk about stressful environments!) and this past June I finally left my job to do what I really love – working with animals and their humans to help them live the healthiest, happiest lives possible. For me, leaving my job was something I had to do not just for myself – it was also in the best interests of my animal friends.

I’ve heard more than a few people make the comment that some stress is good, or “You need a little bit of stress in your life – it’s healthy“. Well, I for one never feel as good when I’m stressed out as I do when I’m at peace. And you know what? The animals agree.

❤

Avril

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The language animals use is one that we all use from the time that we’re in the womb. It comes to us as naturally as breathing, but is something that we’re socialized out of as humans by our caretakers. The language, one that is spoken and understood by all living beings, is that of telepathy. Even though most humans forget early on how to communicate telepathically, it’s a skill and an ability that anyone can relearn at any age.

“Let’s have a chat, shall we?”

When I began relearning to speak to animals, it opened up a completely new world for me. It felt like all of my suspicions about magic being real were suddenly confirmed and anything was possible. One of my biggest realizations was how alike animals and humans really are and, as a result, I started to look at my pets in a completely new way. I’ve always loved my non-human friends but being able to have in-depth, meaningful conversations with them helped me to recognize that their range of emotions is every bit as complex as that of a human. It helped me see that they too have conflicting desires and needs, and helped me understand the depth of their feelings for their human families. It enabled me to view animals in the same light that I view my fellow humans.

When a person relearns how to talk to animals, one of the biggest side effects is that they begin treating them with more respect, dignity and compassion. They come to realize the importance of all species on this planet. And that’s what the world needs more of – people who understand and appreciate animals for the intricate, intelligent, sentient beings that they are. The world needs more people who see that animals have just as much right to live on this planet as we do and that they deserve to have their needs met, too. We need more people who realize that the existence of the human race depends on the continued existence of the non-human races.

We need more people who are willing to relearn how to converse with animals.

A while ago, I did a post about a conversation I had with my dog, Dolce. We used to have a cat also. His name was Mints and we had him from the time that he was a kitten, but he passed away in his 13th year. We don’t know exactly what happened… we just kinda found him in pieces on our front lawn one afternoon (sorry about that mental image). It was just a few years ago that I began learning and practicing animal communication, so I never got a chance to practice with Mints when he was alive. I decided to have a little chat with him this weekend (and, for those of you who are wondering, you can communicate JUST as easily with a deceased animal, as you can with a living one):

“Make yourself useful and turn on the tap for me…”

Me: How did you feel about your life with us?

Mints: Living with you was all that I needed it to be – it was all that I wanted. Even more, if you ask me. I just wish that you could have arranged more time for us to be together, to spend quality time in each other’s arms and heads and hearts.

Me: What would we have done if I had?

Mints: We would have… (Shows an image of him nuzzling my face and purring. I used to push him away most of the time when he tried to cuddle with me because he’d get cat hair everywhere.)

Me: How did you feel about Dolce living with us?

Mints: Dolce was a barbarian, if you ask me. He still is. You need to control him. Ask him to stand still. It won’t hurt him.

That cat is about to snap…

Me: He really misses you. You were his best friend.

Mints: And he was mine. I loved him till the day I died. I just didn’t want to be subjected to his whims and desires and boisterous behaviour. (Now, that I’m reading this again as I’m typing, I’m remembering that when Dolce was still a puppy, he used to try and mount Mints.)

Me: He wants to do a session so you guys can talk and spend some time together.

Mints: I’d be open to that.

Me: Do you still visit with us sometimes?

Mints: Naturally. I’d like to be part of your time travel affairs – your time spent on the other side. (He’s talking about my holistic therapy sessions. It’s totally normal for the spirits of other animals to come and help me in my sessions with clients.)

Me: That can be arranged.

Mints: (Flicks his tail with satisfaction.)

Me: I wish I’d learned animal communication before you died…

Mints: I know. It’s hard.

Me: Were you really depressed when we first brought Dolce home? (He seemed very depressed for a couple of weeks afterward – we didn’t see much of him during that time and when we did, he usually kept his distance from us.)

Mints: I know. (He sounds pleased with himself.) I wish I could have stayed.

Me: Tell me about how you died.

Mints: We don’t have to talk about that.

Me: I want to. I want to know! For closure…

Mints: Okay, I’ll tell you. I fell… (Shows an image of him running towards our house) So scared. (Suddenly a large dog – a wolf? a coyote? – appears in front of him.) There were so many of them. All at once, they were surrounding me. Confusion.

Me: I’m sorry you went through that. I’m most sorry that you were afraid – that you knew you were probably going to die and were afraid. I’m sorry that you suffered.

Mints: It’s okay.

Me: Why is it okay?

Mints: Because I’m here, now.

Me: Where?

Mints: Where you can see me. (Smiles.)

Me: Mints, do you think that you’ll ever return to us in physical form? (It’s common for animals to reincarnate and return to human families that they’ve loved.)

This is one of my fave photos of him because he looks like a cat alien.

Mints: Of course I will!

Me: You will?!

Mints: Of course.

Me: When?

Mints: I don’t know. When I’m ready.

Me: Well, how will we know that it’s you?

Mints: Because I’ll tell you. Keep your eyes peeled.

Me: Is there anything that you want to share with the readers of my blog? Is there anything you want to tell them?

Mints: I would tell them to care more about pets and animals. We bruise easily. Be more spontaneous. Play like a dog or cat.

This weekend I signed up with the Goodlife Fitness centre in my hometown. I have a leetle extra pudge on me right now due to work-related stress and some high-fat content food addictions. I figured instead of quitting my job or cutting out the foods that make my heart sing, I’d just take some endorphin-creating aerobics classes and maybe pump some iron.

During the the initial interview process – where they ask what your fitness goals are, etc. – the guy asked what my diet is like. “Oh, I eat really well, actually,” I told him. “I’m on the Paleo diet.” Of course, like so many men who claim to be health enthusiasts, he questioned this choice (and sorry to be sexist, but it always seems to be men who hold something against the Paleo lifestyle). This guy went on to inform me that if I was experiencing fatigue throughout the day, it could be attributed to lack of carbs in my diet.

This always makes me want to laugh when I hear it.

If anything, my energy levels have sky-rocketed since going Paleo. Not only is it easier for me to get out of bed in the mornings, I practically bounce out from under the covers and right into my pre-selected oufit for the day. My energy levels are even more stable from morning to evening. No more swinging from a caffeine-induced buzz to total and utter exhaustion and then back up again via a sugar high. Yes, life is sweet, now that I’ve expelled the sweets, dairy, grains and other processed foods from my diet.

And maybe that comes as a surprise to you.

“Shouldn’t someone who works so closely with animals and who has conversations with them and heals them and OBVIOUSLY adores them as much as you do, Avril…. um… not eat them? Like, shouldn’t you be vegetarian or something?”

Well, no. That’s not really the way it works.

Yes, I do love animals and yes, I speak with them the same way that I speak with humans and, really, I believe that animals are every bit as important as humans are (as much as we like to believe that we’re the most significant beings on this planet – or even in this universe).

HOWEVER. My body needs what it needs.

Due to some skin issues, I’ve been on numerous diets throughout the past several years. One of these was a vegan diet (thanks mostly to my decision to watch the videos of animal torture and abuse on Meat.org one fine afternoon). Unfortunately, in the three years that I was vegan, my skin issues never cleared up. They did improve, but not even close to the point where I felt confident going out into public without makeup on – or even at all, some days.

Thankfully, I finally got an intuitive nudge a couple years ago to try going Paleo. And after deciding to become a practitioner for animals, as well as discovering everything I now know about the meat and dairy industries, this was NOT an easy choice. But I made it knowing that my body would never ask me to do something immoral or evil.

Through other holistic practitioners, I learned that there are farms in my area that are small and family-owned businesses, where you can go and visit the animals they raise and see what sorts of conditions they live in. And trust me, it’s nothing like factory farming. These are animals that are raised in grassy paddocks, with plenty of room and easily accessible shelters. Calfs that are playing with each other, and that eagerly come over to any human they see standing by the gate. Chickens and roosters that have the run of the entire property. (Watch out for poop! Don’t say I didn’t warn you…)

Does all this sound barbaric? Farmers who lovingly raise healthy, happy livestock only to slaughter them for food? And their customers, who love animals but would rather retain meat in their diet then try vegetarianism?

Well, I have news for those of you who may be leaning over that side of the feeling fence. There’s nothing barbaric about wanting each and every creature on this planet to have a blissful existence while they’re here – regardless as to how they leave this planet or when. If you knew that your life would only last x number of years, would you want people who were responsible for caring for you to make those years happy and fulfilling? Or would you be okay with being whipped, beaten, neglected, etc? My guess is that you would choose happiness and as little pain as possible.

And there’s nothing barbaric about consuming meat. Yes, animals are our friends. Yes, it’s our responsibility to care for them. But being a good caretaker of Earth and its creatures simply means that we use our natural resources responsibly and with kindness and future generations in mind. You can be a friend to animals and still participate in the food chain. Trying to switch the links around is not going to do you or your body any favours.

After going strict Paleo for a month, my skin was FUCKING. GLOWING. It was clear, it was smooth and my Rosacea was even easing up. My skin hadn’t looked that good since I was in high school and my doctor initially put me on the birth control pill. On top of that, my energy levels dramatically increased, and (sorry if you’re a dude and you’re reading this), my monthly menstrual cramps completely disappeared! I’d finally found the 100% natural remedy for a number of health concerns. And it all had to do with a tweaking of my diet.

All of this was a sign that this diet was something my body had been needing. It wasn’t just a matter of my taste buds having certain insatiable cravings. It was an actual need that my body was trying to express through various symptoms. Symptoms that I had been ignoring due to guilt and feeling as though I had to follow the rules and boundaries that other animal-lovers had set for me.

NEVER let anyone tell you what is best for your body. I don’t care if that person is a nutritionist, or a fitness expert, or a doctor. Our bodies are each so different – the only way that you will truly be able to discover what works for you is if you try out all kinds of crazy shit first. Try every diet you can until you find one that just completely clicks. Some people absolutely thrive on a vegan or vegetarian diet. Others wilt. Some peeps need nuts, but others are deathly allergic to them.

And, if you’re a meat/fish-eating animal-lover like me, don’t ever let anyone make you feel guilty about giving your body the nourishment it needs for you to function at a ten. The world deserves you at your best.

❤

Avril

*P.S.* For those of you who are interested, the two farms that I purchase animal products from are Thatcher Farms and Blue Haven Farms in Rockwood, Ontario (Canada). Both are regular vendors at the Guelph Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Eeeeek!!! I’m so excited to share this little bit of news with you! I was going to do this in a video format, but I can’t seem to find a moment when people are out of the house and it’s quiet around here, so….

You know how this past year I’ve been posting channelled messages from Charlotte, my Spirit Guide? Well, this year I decided to do something a bit different. I decided to channel all of the messages for 2015 ahead of time and put them all in a book! But the really cool thing is that… I’m giving it away for FREE!!!!! How d’ya like the sounds of that?

Then you’ll receive a pdf copy of the channelled messages for all 12 months via email on January 1st! To subscribe for blog updates, fill in the little form with your info just over to the right. ——>

If you’re already subscribed to my blog, never fear! Send me a quick message and you’ll wake up on New Year’s Day with all your resolutions still dancing determinedly in your head and a copy of Charlotte’s channelled messages in your inbox.

Okay, now for the especially good stuff. I really enjoyed sharing my conversation with my dog in the last post, so this week I decided to share a conversation with a deer that I almost hit on Wednesday while driving home from work. The first part is immediately following the near-hit, and the “Later” part took place yesterday evening.

Me: Are you okay?!

(The deer doesn’t respond. There’s an image of her running and the feeling of her heart pounding wildly.)

Me: I’m sorry! Did I scare you?

Deer: Yes! Me: You scared me! (There’s a feeling of curiosity, as though the deer is wondering about who is talking to her.)

Me: I’ll speak with you later, if that’s okay. (I need to focus on driving, at this point, in case anything else jumps out of the bush.)

(There’s an image of the deer jumping away.)

Later:

Me: Hi, is it okay if we communicate?

Deer: I don’t see why not.

Me: I’m a human.

Deer: I can see as much.

Me: My name’s Avril. I live in the big house (I show her an image of our house, which is just up the road from where I encountered her).

Deer: I’ve seen you and your family sometimes.

Me: I was the one who almost hit you the other day.

Deer: That was you?!

Me: Yeah, I’m really sorry…

(There’s a feeling of fear and panic and anger.)

Me: Did I frighten you?

Deer: You sure did! You should be more careful!

Me: You need to be really careful – it’s difficult for our vehicles to stop quickly in the winter time.

Deer: Oh, I see.

Me: How are you doing?

Deer: How do you think I’m doing? I almost got run over!

Me: I know, sorry… That must have been really scary for you. Do you want me to send you some healing energy?

Deer: What’s that? (Shows an image of herself approaching me with curiosity and a sense of wariness.)

(I show her a handful of Reiki energy and let it touch her nose.)

Deer: How do you do that?

Me: I summon it from the sky.

(Gives the feeling of permission to send her some.)

Me: Do you have any babies?

Deer: May be coming…

Me: Do you want children?

(She sends a feeling of being content right now with things the way they are.)

Me: How do you feel about the winter and the snow?

(A feeling of anxiety.)

Me: Why?

Deer: Looking for food. The cold.

Me: Doesn’t your coat keep you warm, though?

Deer: Only sometimes – not when it’s really cold.

Me: What do you do when it’s really cold, then?

Deer: Whatever we can. Stay with friends and family. Stay in a group. Buck around. Play games. Keep moving.

Me: How do you feel about your particular group?

Deer: They’re alright. Couldn’t be much better. Could be worse.

Me: Do you and your group reside in the forest by my house?

(There’s a feeling of uncertainty, like she doesn’t want to tell me where they live.)

Me: It’s okay. My parents don’t allow hunting on our land because we love wildlife and we want you to feel safe here. If you and your group ever need a safe place to stay, you can come and stay in our forest.

Deer: Alright, thank you. That’s very kind of you.

Me: Well, I’m very glad that I met you – and, again, sorry for the other day.

Deer: Thank you for your kind words. We can leave the mistakes in the past; we’ve all made them.